I’ve chosen a collection of images that use strong contrast and value to create and emphasize shadows and negative space. I find the initial ambiguity and anonymity of these figures, places, and designs to be elusive of the real subject being represented.

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Copyright
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Two Zebra Nudes

Accession Number
2008/2.198.3

Title
Two Zebra Nudes

Artist(s)
Lucien Clergue

Artist Nationality
French (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
2005, printed 2006

Medium & Support
gelatin silver print on paper

Dimensions
16 in x 12 in (40.64 cm x 30.48 cm);20 in x 16 in (50.8 cm x 40.64 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Jeffrey and Elena Sobel

Label copy
Recent Acquisitions: Curators Choice Part I, November 12, 2011-March 18, 2012
Lucien Clergue
France, born 1934
Two Zebra Nudes
2005
Gelatin silver print
Gift of Jeffrey and Elena Sobel, 2008/2.198.3

Subject matter
Clergue began working with nude figures in 1956. He began periodically shooting in the United States after 1961, producing many nudes in New York, including his Zebra Nudes series. His nude figures remain anonymous as he explores themes of life, sexuality, and the universality of the human form. 

Physical Description
Two cropped nude figures in front of a window, the shadows cast by the window blinds creating patterns on their skin. 

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
blinds (coverings)
daylight
nudes (representations)
shadows

& Author Notes

All Rights Reserved